Jackson Center’s Kennadie Reese and Anna’s Wyatt Bensman claimed this year’s scholarship awards as the Shelby County League’s 2018 student-athletes of the year.
New Bremen – Without question, it’s one of the most gratifying nights of the year for Press Pros – our opportunity to give back and honor those selected as top student-athletes among the many from the Shelby County League for the 2017-18 school year.
Jackson Center’s Kennadie Reese received the $2,000 scholarship award Wednesday as top female participant in the conference – a three-sport athlete (track, soccer, and basketball) for the Tigers, highlighted by her participation on two OHSAA state semi-final basketball teams, a team captain this past season, and her 3.66 overall grade point average.
In addition, Reese stood out for her community service and commitment to help others in her chosen career. Reese will attend Edison State Community College in September to pursue a degree in physical therapy.
Anna’s Wyatt Bensman was selected as the conference’s top male participant, receiving the Vance and Linda Stewart award of $2,000 to attend Ohio State University this fall, likewise to pursue a degree and career in physical therapy.
Bensman was a two-sport athlete for Anna, an all-state selection in football as a defensive back; and was voted Player of The Year in basketball for his 16.2 points per game average in basketball, first team all region in Division III, and second team all-state in Division III. He finished his high career with the Rockets having scored 896 total points, and graduated with a 3.8 GPA.
Reese and Bensman were selected from a total of 30 applicants from the conference, representing participation in volleyball, golf, track (cross country), football, soccer, track, basketball, softball and baseball.
Financial aid for this year’s honorees is made possible by the generous support of the following Shelby County League sponsors of Press Pros Magazine: The Keyhole (Newport), Meyer’s Garage (Newport), Allenbaugh Insurance (Jackson Center), Edward Jones Investments (Sidney), Ruhenkamp Boring and Trenching, in memory of Chuck Ruhenkamp (Ft. Loramie), Wilson Sports Medicine (Sidney), Wagner’s IGA (Minster, New Bremen, and Ft. Loramie), Dorothy Love-Ohio Living (Sidney), Huffer Chiropractice – Dr. Kreg Huffer (Jackson Center), Crale Builders (Sidney), The Heidout (Jackson Center), and Francis Furniture (Sidney).
Selection is determined on a combination of averall achievement in athletic competition and scholastic ranking, as chosen by a panel of area teachers and guidance counselors. This is the second year of the Shelby County League scholar-athlete awards, following the selection of Cassie Meyer (Jackson Center) and Nate Lessing as 2017 honorees.
* Our thanks and appreciation to 17 West Restaurant, and manager Lynn Gusching, for hosting this year’s presentation event.
With Press Pros publisher Sonny Fulks (left), Dale and Heather Bensman (center) received Shelby County League male Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Award for son Wyatt, from sponsors Vance and Linda Stewart, representing Edward Jones Investments in Sidney. (Press Pros Feature Photos)